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1888. NEW ZEALAND.

INTERIM RETURN OF SHEEP IN THE COLONY ON 31st MAY, 1888.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly bij Command of Ills Excellency.

Crown Lands Department (Stock Branch), Sib,— Wellington, 27th August, 1888. I have the honour to furnish an interim return of sheep. The total number in the colony on the 31st May, 1888, as compiled from the returns, was 15,010,825; and in addition to this it is estimated there will be about 30,000 more to include, for which returns have not yet been received, making in all 15,010,825, as against 15,155,626 for 1887, or a deficiency of 114,801. I have added a table at the foot showing tiie increases and decreases in the several districts throughout the colony. I have, &c, B. P. Bayly, The Hon. the Minister of Lands. Superintending Inspector.

Table showing Increase or Decrease in the Number of Sheep in each District throughout the Colony.

[Approximate Cost of Paper. —Preparation, uil; printing (1,376 copies); 17s. Od.j*

By Authority : Geohqe Didsbuiiy, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBB.

Xuml >or of Sheep. District. I— Increase. Decrease. 1887. 1888. Auckland Napier West Coast Wellington Nelson .. MarlborougU Canterbury Otago : I 299,479 8,020,099 1,037,727 1,148,580 147,731 1,111,438 4,410,130 3,979,842 |- [ 344,480 3,000,705 1,138,740 1,107,189 155,075 1,119,026 4,207,205 3,817,079 45,001 40,006 101,019 41,391 7,944 7,588 142,805 102,103 Returns to come in 15,155,020 15,010.825 30,000 201,018 340.419 201,01s Estimated decrease; I 15,040.825 I 144,801 30,000 114,801 I